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Inside Our Halls and Houses

Welcome to Our Community

Living in campus housing can be one of the most memorable times of your life. You will meet all kinds of people, experience a variety of opportunities and make many personal discoveries. This is the place where by trial and error and challenge and support, you will learn the ropes of adulthood along with hundreds of other students.

You are now a member of a dynamic and unique community defined not only by living proximity, but also by many of the goals, needs and values you share. To enhance this rare opportunity, our staff will schedule regular community meetings where you can discuss common issues and standards like noise levels and visitors, coordinate all sorts of social activities and educational programs, and serve as mentors when you need advice or support.

With this handbook as your guide, you will successfully navigate this new environment. Our staff is here to help.

Community Advisers

A Community Adviser (CA) resides on every residence hall floor and in most upperclass houses and apartment areas. Your CA is literally your link to Augustana. He or she can provide the following services:

Senior Community Adviser

The Senior Community Advisers (SCA) are undergraduate students with CA experience. They generally work behind the scenes, supervising the service desk operation and assisting the Area Coordinator with building management. They can help you with the following:

Resident Directors

Area Coordinators

Area Coordinators (AC) are full-time college employees, professionally trained to manage residential clusters. Think of your AC as a guidance counselor, teacher and principal all in one package. You can schedule an appointment to see your AC via e-mail or by calling their office extension.

Central Office Staff

The Office of Residential Life is located in the west wing of Andreen Hall at 960-38th Street. The Director of Residential Life is responsible for the management of the housing operation. The Assistant Director provides a variety of administrative tasks including housing placements and related issues. Our student conduct coordinator is also located within the central office. The office is open Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For information and assistance regarding any housing-related issue, and particularly for telephone and laundry-related problems.

Community Standards of Conduct

Maintaining standards of conduct is an important part of community living. These standards clarify the behaviors that are and are not considered acceptable. When they are not met by individuals, disciplinary action is taken not only to protect the community but most importantly to challenge students to develop responsible, mature behavior.

Disciplinary actions are based upon the nature of the incident and a hierarchical sanctioning process. Major violations of civil law which jeopardize the health, safety or property rights of residents or the college will be referred to the proper authorities for investigation and legal action. These situations may involve formal judicial action by the college as well.

The Office of Residential Life offers a Discipline and Sanction Chart, which details specific violations and the typical minimum disciplinary actions taken by the college. Please keep in mind that college staff may adjust sanctions for special circumstances or in consideration of individual student needs. The chart should be considered as a general guideline only.

Definitions

Guilt by Association The concept of guilt by association, also known as "knowingly present," refers to students found in the immediate proximity of a policy violation while not actually participating in it. A common example of this is being present, although abstinent, in a room where others are consuming alcohol. Active participant or not, you would be held equally responsible for the violation since by your very presence you condone the behavior of others in the room.

Housing Dismissal The Office of Residential Life may cancel the contract of students whose conduct is considered chronic or excessively disruptive. In such cases, these students will be required to relocate to housing accommodations off campus. Students dismissed from housing will continue to be held financially responsible for basic college housing rental charges until the end of their junior year.

Appeal Process Students have the right to appeal any disciplinary action they believe has been unfairly administered. Actions by the Student Conduct Coordinator may be appealed to the Director of Residential Life. Actions by the Director of Residential Life may be appealed to the Dean of Students, and actions by the Dean of Students may be appealed to the President of the College. Appeal requests must be registered within five days of the date of the sanction letter.

Sanction A sanction is generally defined as something that gives binding force to the law, as a penalty for breaking it. Residential Life sanctions include community service, fines, educational assignments, and housing restriction/dismissal.

TLA Restriction Restriction of TLA housing is utilized in situations where a student's behavioral history is determined to be a risk factor.

Applying Community Standards of Conduct

Resident Rights

As a member of a residential community, you have the right to expect the following:

The ability to sleep, read and study free from undue interference, unreasonable noise and other distractions.

Personal privacy within the limits of the residence halls and respect by others of personal belongings.

A clean and safe living environment and access to your room and residence hall when classes are in session.

Freedom from any type of harassment, as well as threat of intimidation and physical or emotional harm including acts of ethnic or racial intimidation, hazing, or discrimination for reasons of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability or veteran status.

Resident Community Responsibilities

As a member of the residential community, it is your responsibility to:

Resolve personal and community issues in a calm and diplomatic matter.

Treat other residents and Residential Life staff with respect, consideration, and cooperation.

Understand and comply with all college policies and regulations.

Exercise an individual commitment to personal and community security.

Avoid damaging college property or the possessions of others, and report those who have done so.

Respect every person's dignity by reporting incidents of discrimination, harassment or hazing to Residential Life staff.

Assume individual responsibility for the cleanliness of the community environment by cleaning up after yourself and removing trash to designated disposal areas such as the residence hall recycling center, the trash room or outside dumpster.

Building Access

All halls are locked and accessible by displaying an Augustana ID at proximity access readers located at the main entrances. From midnight to 7:00 a.m., entrance to all halls will be restricted to residents only. When the service desks are open, residents without valid Augustana ID may be detained until identification can be determined. Overnight guests must furnish picture ID (see also Visitation Policy). Augustana IDs presented by former students will be confiscated and destroyed.

The living areas in the residence halls are permanently locked and accessible to residents only. Residents must swipe their ID card by the card reader located at each living area entrance to gain access. You can assure the safety of these areas by refusing to open doors for people you do not know, by not propping open locked security doors or transferring your ID card to others.

Each hall has outside doors that are considered emergency exits only. These doors are clearly identifiable by a sign or the Detex alarm mounted upon them. Emergency exits are to be used for emergency evacuation purposes only.

Campus Security Information Updates

Large yellow bulletin boards are located in each residence hall lobby to alert the Augustana community to pertinent security issues. Campus incident reports are e-mailed to the campus community within 24 hours of reporting.

Community Security Guidelines

The guidelines below are for your personal protection as well as the safety of the residential community.

Never prop open outside or living area doors.

Never open a locked living area door for anyone who is not your invited guest.

Always lock your room door, even if you're leaving for only a few minutes, and when you are sleeping.

Escort your non-resident guests at all times.

Never allow door-to-door salespeople into your room. Solicitation is prohibited by the college and should be immediately reported to the service desk or to a staff member.

Immediately report strangers or strange behavior to the service desk or the Security Office (7711).

Keep friends informed of your whereabouts.

Travel in groups at night or whenever leaving campus. Walk in well-lit areas, and utilize the Augustana College Escort Service (ACES). Escort service information is available at the hall service desk or from ACES at extension 7550.

Emergency Communication

Information is posted on the back of every residence room door as well as near most campus exits regarding evacuation, shelter and lockdown procedures. For major campus threats, an on-campus siren will be utilized to notify the campus community at large. When the siren sounds, all e2Campus subscribers (a free service offered to students at the beginning of the school year through Security Services) should make sure their cell phones and/or computers are turned on in order to receive additional instructions related to the emergency.

Fire and Safety Procedures

Each residence hall and house conducts fire drills during fall term and occasionally at other times during the school year as well. Fire safety and emergency procedures will also be reviewed at your first community meeting. Fire extinguishers, pull stations and emergency exits are located on each floor and within each house. Obstructing or failing to cooperate with emergency evacuation procedures or drills is prohibited under the Illinois Fire Code. When an alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and follow instructions from college staff and firefighters. Smoke detectors have been installed in every room for community safety. Tampering with these devices or any fire-safety equipment in any way will result in disciplinary action.

Keys and Access (ID) Cards

College room keys are issued to the assigned occupants of each room and may not be duplicated or transferred to others at any time. Your student ID is your building access card. Lost or missing keys and ID cards must be immediately reported to your AC. Key and lock core replacements cost $35, with the exception of the Transitional Living Areas, where the price varies. ID card replacements cost $15 and are available at the Access Control Office located in the basement of Sorensen Hall.

Full access to residential facilities by student ID is limited to residents of that particular building. All other students have limited access to the public-use areas in each residential building. All others in the college community - faculty and non-housing-related staff must seek permission from the access control office for an ID card status change.

Stickers, color-coded by residence, will be distributed early each fall and are also available from the AC. The sticker must be affixed to the space above your photograph.

Whenever you request key service to enter your room, you will be required to produce identification upon entry and will be charged at the following rates:

Severe Weather

Specific emergency instructions are available on the emergency posting in your room. Weather reports, announced on both radio and television, will identify areas affected by impending severe weather and school closings (Augustana College is located in Rock Island County). Additional emergency information will be sent to e2campus subscribers (a text-messaging service available through Security Services).

Rules and Regulations

Alcohol

You may not possess, store or consume alcoholic beverages on campus. (Exceptions to this rule are made for residents and guests of Transitional Living Areas who are 21 years old or older and who abide by the restrictions set forth under the subheading, Transitional Living Policies and Procedures). Students in locations where alcohol is present will usually be considered in violation of this policy, even if not drinking or in possession of alcoholic beverages when a confrontation occurs. Any alcohol found on the premises will be immediately dumped, and related paraphernalia such as beer bongs, keg tappers, etc., will be confiscated.

Empty alcohol containers will be considered violations of the alcohol policy, as will bars. Evidence of use of distilled spirits may warrant a room search and will result in doubled fines. If student behavior is considered to be out of control due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs to the extent where imminent harm is possible to the student, to the residential community, or to college property, the appropriate authorities (i.e. police/ paramedics) will be summoned. The student will be held responsible for any bills or tickets that result.

Antennas/Cable Television/Satellite Dishes

Mediacom expanded basic TV cable service is available in every student room at no additional charge. Other entertainment packages are not available at this time. Problems with cable service should be reported to the Office of Residential Life at 794-2686.

Antennas, satellite dishes, or wires may not extend outside student rooms due to possible hazards from electrical shock and storms. You may place approved antennas inside rooms on the door, window (inside), or ceiling providing no damage occurs. Installations are subject to safety inspection.

Appliances

As a general rule, any appliance, with the exception of computers, rated over six amps (700 watts) is prohibited. Ideally, the wattage limit for each room should not exceed eight amps or 1000 watts at any given time. Anything higher than that can blow fuses, which can inconvenience an entire floor or house. Major energy-consuming appliances like refrigerators, microwaves and large stereo systems are limited to one per room. Hair dryers, which can use up to 1900 watts, are to be used in bathroom areas only.

Beginning this year, Augustana is partnering with Bedloft.com for all lofting needs, microfridge rentals and futon purchases. Students can loft up to 3ft on their own. For high lofting it must go through Bedloft. Residents in Andreen Hall traditional rooms will have their beds lofted for them.

Cooperating With Staff Requests

Students are expected to cooperate immediately and fully with requests made by a college staff member carrying out the responsibilities of his/her position. If in doubt of a person's authority, students may request his/her name and staff assignment. Failure to cooperate with a reasonable staff request is a violation of Article 12 of the Augustana Code of Social Conduct and may warrant disciplinary action.

Damage Liability

Residents are financially liable and may be judicially accountable for damages they cause to college property, including but not limited to damages caused by electrical appliances or other personal equipment and belongings and those caused by adhesives, nails and tacks, or incidents of vandalism.

Upon arrival, you must complete a Room Inventory Responsibility Agreement Form, which documents the condition of the room and all items within it. College property noted as damaged or requiring repair or replacement must be listed on this report. The completed Room Inventory Responsibility Agreement Form must be submitted to your CA within 48 hours of receipt, or you could be held liable for any previous damages. Copies are available from your AC.

You are not permitted to repair, replace or alter college equipment or property. Only authorized staff members may do so.

Once occupancy is established, all residents are held mutually liable for damages to the room unless responsibility can be clearly established. During final check out at the end of the school year, you may fill out a Damage Responsibility Form, available from your CA or AC, to avoid being charged for damages which you did not cause.

The college is not liable for loss of personal belongings (your own or your roommate's) or college property. Your room should be properly secured at all times. "Properly secured" means that the doors and windows are closed, locked, and window stops are in place when assigned occupants aren't present.

Residents are held liable for damages to public and semi-public areas. If individual responsibility for damages cannot be established, the entire floor, wing, hall or house will be held accountable for charges incurred. These charges will be communicated to residents via postings and e-mail alerts. Residents who observe vandalism and who do not report it to Residential Life staff members may also be found financially liable for damages.

Dishware

Food Service dishware, flatware and trays are not to be taken from dining areas. Dishware found in student rooms will be confiscated by staff on sight and pursued as theft of college property. Fines for dishware found in public areas will be charged to the floor community.

Drugs

Augustana complies fully with all federal, state, and municipal regulations regarding the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, distribution and/or possession of drugs and controlled substances. These and associated actions are prohibited. Students involved with the use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications will be immediately referred to the college judiciary for disciplinary action, and may also be referred to local authorities.

Judicial action applies to: 1) anyone present where marijuana or illegal drug use is evident, 2) anyone possessing marijuana or other illegal drugs in his/her assigned room or in other property under his/her control, and 3) anyone who offers or makes arrangements to purchase, sell, accept or provide drugs to another.

Residents aware of the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale, distribution and/or possession of illegal substances are required to report this information immediately to Residential Life staff or they may be considered an accessory.

Electrical Cords

All cords should be UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) approved.

Extension cords must be no longer than six feet.

Extension cords may not be placed across aisles, wrapped around metal fixtures or furniture, run through doorways or under carpets or bedding. If the cord is covered, heat cannot escape which could result in a fire.

Worn or cracked cords are prohibited and will be confiscated on sight.

Firearms, Weapons and Fireworks

Possession, storage and/or use of any type of firearm, explosive or weapon is not permitted on campus property. This includes but is not limited to bows and arrows, steel-tipped darts, knives, BB and air-soft guns, martial arts implements, pistols, potato and pellet guns, paintball guns, rifles, slingshots, smoke bombs, firecrackers or explosive devices of any type. Students involved in the Paintball Club should contact the Office of Public Safety (794-7711) for storage instructions.

Food Storage

Furnishings

College furnishings may not be transferred or interchanged among rooms or public areas. Public area furniture found in a resident's room will be considered stolen. College room furnishings may not be stored in residence hall storage rooms or left in corridors or public areas and will be immediately removed. Triple bunking and other practices not consistent with safety regulations is not permitted. Students missing college-issued furnishings at check-out will be charged the full replacement cost.

Gambling

Grills

Charcoal and gas grills are not permitted. Special park grills are available throughout campus as a safe, convenient alternative. Charcoal and charcoal lighter may not be stored on or near the premises. Any personal grills found by staff will be confiscated.

Harassment and Hazing

Harassment and/or hazing of residents or college staff will not be tolerated. Actions defined as harassment or hazing include but are not limited to any activity that might reasonably bring embarrassment or emotional, psychological or physical harm to an individual, or that might degrade or otherwise compromise an individual's dignity.

ID Cards

Identity is established by Augustana photo ID. For safety reasons, residents and guests will be asked by Residential Life staff and Public Safety to identify themselves or to verify their resident status at any time.

Augustana ID cards may not be borrowed, loaned or altered in any manner, nor may they be used by those who have graduated or withdrawn from the college. This also applies to identification submitted by guests. If this activity is discovered by college staff, the Augustana or guest ID will be confiscated and the guest and/or host will be subject to disciplinary action.

Insecticides, Bug Bombs, and Other Toxic Substances

Use of most insecticides and any substance considered to be toxic can affect the health and welfare or neighboring residents and are, therefore, not permitted. When problems with insects occur, please complete a work request on the Facilities Services website. Generally, the pest exterminator visits campus every Wednesday

Indoor and Outdoor Sports

You are not permitted to engage in any sport inside college housing. This includes but is not limited to roller-blading, riding bikes or scooters, and throwing/bouncing balls or Frisbees. Rough play, water fights or floods, shaving cream fights, or similar behavior which endangers resident safety or college property are also not permitted. Outdoors, pools of any kind are not allowed, nor are any sport with might damage campus property or endanger residents.

Noise/Quiet Hours

Residents must abide by quiet and courtesy hours. Quiet hours are times when noise from stereos, televisions and conversations must not be audible in hallways, in adjoining rooms or through open windows. During courtesy hours (times when quiet hours are not in effect), residents are expected not to interfere with another individual's ability to sleep, read or study. Students asked by staff or other residents to be quiet during courtesy hours are expected to comply. Floor or house residents may vote for additional quiet hours. At least 51% of all residents must vote in the affirmative for the change to be effected. (See also Stereos/Musical Instruments)

All residence halls observe quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight to 10:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Courtesy hours are in effect at all times.

During finals weeks, 24-hour quiet hours are observed from 12:01 a.m. on the Saturday prior to finals until 3:00 p.m. on the Thursday of finals week. There is no visitation during finals week.

Paraphernalia

Pipes, dugouts, hookahs, bongs, roach clips, blow tubes and any other items associated with drug use-whether or not these items are used for that purpose-will be confiscated upon discovery. In cases where they are found on the scene of a drug policy violation, especially when the police are involved, owners could be ticketed and fined up to $500/item for possession.

Pets

With the exception of small fish (in an aquarium not exceeding 10 gallons) and approved service and support animals, pets are not permitted. Aquariums are limited to one per room. In the event that a pet is discovered, students will be fined $25 each day until the pet is removed. Any resident in violation of this policy is responsible for providing the AC with proof that the pet has been relocated off campus. Fines will continue to be assessed until proof is established.

Room Decoration

You are encouraged to think of your room as home. However, please be considerate of roommate(s) in your manner of personalizing space and in the size and number of personal belongings you bring to campus. Your belongings cannot endanger resident safety nor restrict reasonable freedom of movement. Any modifications to the room must be temporary, and fixed items-such as closet or interior doors and overhead lighting-may not be removed.

To avoid any damage assessments, you must restore the room to the same or better condition before check out.

You may post material on or directly outside your room door and windows provided that the posted material is deemed by your AC to be appropriate to the mission and image of Augustana (i.e., nothing pornographic, racist, sexist, homophobic or otherwise discriminating or impinging upon the dignity of others; no alcohol beverage signs; no empty alcohol containers, and no tobacco paraphernalia). College staff reserves the right to remove offensive postings and materials.

Other requirements:

No waterbeds

Carpet must not impede full closure of the door closer.

No tape, glue, permanent adhesive backing, nails or screws may be used. (Note: various hooks and hangers sold under the label "Command Adhesive" by 3M Company are easily removable if installed and removed according to instructions. These, however, cannot be used in Swanson Commons or Parkander Residence Center. Residents in these areas MUST use the provided wall strips.)

No rewiring of rooms or modification of electrical/cable outlets, switches, or fixtures.

No paneling, wallpaper, borders, or contact paper may be adhered to walls or college furnishings.

Room Entry and Search

Augustana College respects residents' rights to privacy, and efforts are made to ensure privacy in college housing. Nevertheless, designated college staff have the right to enter any part of the college premises to perform reasonable custodial, maintenance and repair services; to inspect for damages or cleanliness; for college policy violations; for any illegal activity; for safety of persons or property, and in cases of emergency. Periodically, general "Health and Safety" tours will be conducted in each building without prior notice.

An extensive search of a resident's personal belongings will be authorized only when ample cause has been established. A student's property shall not be searched without personal permission or a directive from one of the following: Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of the College or President of the College. Visible evidence may be seized without an "Authorization to Search" by college staff.

Evidence found during a search may be confiscated and used in disciplinary proceedings. Reasonable efforts will be made to have a resident of the room present while the search is conducted. Law officials may enter, search, and seize evidence in accordance with the law. Some confiscated items, like candles, appliances or grills, will be returned upon request at the end of the term if the AC is assured they will be taken home.

Safety Regulations

You must adhere to the following guidelines and procedures:

Objects including but not limited to firecrackers, explosives, Frisbees, balls, water hoses, squirt guns or containers of water are not to be discharged or thrown inside or within close proximity to residential buildings.

Paper, fishnets, parachutes, flags, tapestries, or other combustible items must not be hung from or attached to room ceilings.

Candles, open flames and incense are not permitted and will be immediately confiscated by staff. Wickless candles for use with candle warmers are allowed.

Flammable or combustible liquids, including but not limited to gasoline, ether, paint, flammable glues, charcoal starter, etc., must not be stored in residential buildings.

Storage is prohibited in the vicinity of water heaters, boilers, furnaces and/or electrical panels.

Use of windows or emergency exits to enter/exit a building is prohibited except in emergency evacuations.

Nothing may be left or stored in a hallway or any area leading to building emergency exits.

Students are not allowed in unauthorized areas within the building, including areas that are officially closed, restricted to designated persons, or where the safety and welfare of the resident could be endangered. This includes roof areas.

Setting fires of any type inside or outside of the building is prohibited and punishable under the Illinois Fire Code.

Sales, Solicitations and Postings

Unless permission is first granted by the AC or Upper/Lower Campus Councils, canvassing or solicitation of funds, sales, memberships, subscriptions or distribution of literature is prohibited.

Approval to distribute election posters, information, pamphlets, literature, or permission to set up tables and chairs in the public areas of the halls must be obtained from the AC or Upper/Lower Campus Council.

Any posting not pre-approved by the Office of Student Activities or the Office of Residential Life will be removed from posting areas.

An individual or group cannot act as a vendor or sales agent, or set up a business enterprise of any kind in residence halls or houses, except as authorized by the AC.

Individuals or groups who wish to distribute questionnaires or undertake research projects must contact the Office of Residential Life for permission. Authorization requires a written proposal submitted at least two weeks before the project begins.

Residents may post items on or near their room doors provided that the posted material is deemed by the AC to be inoffensive and appropriate to the mission of Augustana. (See Room Decoration)

Permission to conduct food, clothing or other donation drives must be obtained from the AC or Upper/Lower Campus Council. Coordinators must provide contact information as well as the name of the faculty/staff advisor. Daily checks are essential to assure that collection sites are clean, well-controlled and pose no safety hazards. Donated items that cause any of the aforesaid problems will be disposed of and may result in the assessment of a clean-up fee.

Sharps (Syringe) Disposal

Residents who must inject medication for medical reasons (documented by a physician) must use a sharps disposal container. Those in need of a container may obtain one free of charge at the Office of Residential Life or Office of Safety. When the container is nearly full, contact the Office of Safety (794-7595) for pick-up and to receive a replacement container. Disposal in regular trash receptacles is prohibited.

Signs and Public Displays

Political signs and signs commenmorating special events may be displayed in the windows of the residence halls and transitional living areas. Signs with offensive content and those advertising alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The posting of signs and other objects on the outside of the residence halls/houses or on the lawns of transitional housing is not permitted. Neon signs are not permitted in any campus housing.

Smoking and Tobacco Products

All residential buildings are smoke- and tobacco-free. Use of any tobacco-related product cannot occur within fifteen feet of any campus building. Violators are subject to fines and other disciplinary actions.

Stereos/Musical Instruments

The use of electronic equipment-such as stereos, radios, amplifiers, subwoofers and musical instruments-in a manner that violates a standard of quiet conducive to study or sleep, is not permitted and may cause such equipment to be confiscated. Stereo equipment or stereo speakers may not be placed facing out of an open window (for special hall activities, prior permission must be obtained from the AC).

Street Signs

Residents possessing street signs must provide proof of purchase or the signs will be confiscated. Campus signs found in a student's possession will be considered stolen; the possessor will be subject to disciplinary action.

Unattended Personal Property

Unattended property may not be left in hallways, laundry rooms, lounges or other public areas at any time. The college reserves the right to discard items left in these locations. Students will be charged a daily $5 fine for any possessions left in public areas.

Visitation Policy

With appropriate attention to issues of safety and security, you may host guests. In doing so, you must observe host and guest guidelines. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in revocation of your guest privileges, revocation of your guest's access to residence hall buildings and/or other disciplinary action.

The following definitions apply:

Resident A student contracted to a specific room within a residence hall or house.Host An Augustana student resident who is entertaining guests.Guest Any visitor of the same or opposite sex.Public Areas Designated areas outside rooms such as the main lobby, main study areas, and recreation areas where residents may entertain guests.

Visitation hours are Sunday through Thursday 8:00 a.m.-midnight and 8:00 a.m. Friday through midnight Sunday (24-hour weekends). The Andreen apartments and Transitional Living Areas have 24-hour visitation daily. There is not visitation during quite hours preceeding and during finals weeks.

Host Responsibilities

Visits should be discussed with roommate(s) beforehand. If an agreement about the visit cannot be reached, the rights of the non-hosting roommate will prevail.

Guests may not occupy a bed without the consent of the person to whom that bed is assigned.

Guests should be met at the main entrance and be personally escorted at all times.

Non-Augustana guests must register at the hall service desk after 9:00 p.m. A picture ID card is required to confirm identity. A host's ID information will be accepted in lieu of a guest's ID, but a $5 penalty fee will assessed.

Hosts are allowed up to three guests per visit; fifteen maximum in TLA suites, apartments and houses.

Hosts are responsible for ensuring that guests are aware of college policies as well as emergency and safety procedures.

Hosts assume full responsibility for non-resident student guests' behaviors. When staff intervention is necessary, hosts will pay additional fines (beyond those levied for the infractions themselves) for each guest involved. These fines will be doubled when the guest is unable or unwilling to produce acceptable identification. Visiting privileges for any non-resident guest will be immediately revoked.

Minors (age 17 and under) must be accompanied by a parent/legal gaurdian or possess a note from the aforementioned permitting the campus housing visit. This includes breif visits and overnight stays. If the parent/legal guardian will not be present during the visit the host must notify their AC via e-mail prior to the visit. This e-mail should include the guests, name, age, and emergancy contact information. Minors visiting campus for official athletic or admissions overnights do not need parental/legal guardian supervision or a permission note.

Transitional Living Area Policies and Procedures

The Transitional Living Areas (TLAs) were established to give residents an independent and less structured living experience. Less supervision is provided in order to foster residents' eventual transition to off-campus living during their senior year. In turn, residents are expected to behave responsibly, take the initiative to register concerns with their neighbors, and exercise consideration and community cooperation.

This special living experience is considered to be a privilege. Those whose conduct is considered excessively disruptive and/or who are in violation of college policy or local/state/federal laws may be expelled from college housing at their own expense (see Housing Dismissal).

TLA Alcohol Policy

TLA residents and guests who are 21 years old or older may consume alcoholic beverages on the premises under the following conditions only:

They cannot serve minors.

They may not consume in a minor's room or invite a minor to their room while consuming.

They may consume in public areas (i.e., kitchen, lounge); however, if minors are present and open alcohol containers (both full and empty) exceed the number of individuals of legal age, all present will be considered violators of the alcohol policy.

Alcohol may be stored in the authorized resident's room only.

Excessive amounts of alcohol (subject to interpretation by Residential Life staff) may not be stored on the premises. A reasonable amount is construed to be one case of beer and one fifth or two pints of hard liquor per authorized resident.

No kegs, public access containers or associated paraphernalia such as beer bongs, keg tappers, beer pong tables or bar set-ups are permitted; neither are home breweries or wineries.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages may not occur outside of the apartment or house. This includes deck areas, hallways and porches.

Alcohol containers transported into buildings must be concealed.

Swanson Commons and Andreen apartments TLA residents who are of legal age must conceal alcohol container/packages when transporting them through public areas of the building.

TLA residents who are 21 years or older may serve alcoholic beverages to guests who are of legal age. However, TLA residents who are under 21 years of age may not serve alcoholic beverages to any guests whether such guests are of legal age or not. This also means that guests of underage residents may not independently consume or bring alcoholic beverages onto the premises.

TLA College Breaks

TLA Cleaning Expectations

Cleaning service is not provided in TLA housing. Residents are expected to maintain a reasonably clean environment as would be required by any landlord. Provision of cleaning supplies including vacuum cleaners are the responsibility of the residents. Free toilet paper and trash bags are available at the hall service desks in Erickson, Swanson, and Westerlin. Additional information relating to cleaning expectations is also available under the subheading Housekeeping.

Chronic cleaning issues may result in staff cleaning intervention at the residents' expense and/or relocation to a traditional residence hall setting.

TLA Social Gathering Protocol

No more than fifteen (15) residents may gather in a house or apartment without prior approval by the AC. All residents of the house must receive at least 24-hours' notice prior to a planned gathering. In the event of a conflict, the rights of residents not hosting the gathering will prevail. Noise complaints or other policy violations brought to the attention of college staff will result in disciplinary action.

TLA Refrigerators

Refrigerators (4.3 cubic feet or less; see also Refrigerators subheading) are permitted in student rooms; one unit is allowed per room. Full-sized refrigerators are already provided in most TLA houses and apartments.

TLA Room Condition

Periodic inspections of TLA residences will be scheduled. Any damages discovered during these inspections or otherwise may result in disciplinary action in addition to repair or cleaning costs. Extreme sanitation concerns and/or vandalism (as determined by college staff) will result in eviction.

TLA Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors

TLA Snow Removal

TLA residents are provided with snow shovels and salt to maintain sidewalks and driveways during the winter months. When there is heavy snowfall, Facilities Services staff will assist when possible by removing snow/ice from the main entrance and five feet of the walkway. Academic buildings and residence halls will be cleared first.

TLA Storage

Hallways, fire escape routes, garages and attic areas are not to be used for storage, occupancy, or any other use. Storage of possessions in basement areas is done at the owner's risk. Entry into locked mechanical areas in TLA basements is not permitted and is subject to disciplinary sanctions. Storage is not available in TLA areas or for TLA residents during the summer, with the exceptions of those students who will be residents of the southwest wing of Swanson Commons and those residing in the Andreen apartments.

TLA Temperature Control

Temperature in TLA areas is controlled by programmed thermostats located in each house or apartment. Remote sensors monitor the temperature and adjust accordingly. In areas where students have access to the thermostats, attempts to reprogram the units will result in disciplinary sanctions. To conserve energy, window sensors turn off the heat or air conditioning when a window is opened.

Heat is set at 70 degrees. Residents of each house/apartment determine when the heat is turned on for their area in the fall; this can be done by contacting your CA or AC. Air conditioning (where available) is set at 74 degrees. These temperature set points have been determined by the college in continued efforts towards energy efficiency and conservation.

TLA residents may contact their AC about heating/air conditioning concerns.

Housing Assignment Information

Check in/Check out

If you wish to check out of your residence hall or house during the academic year, you must contact your current AC. If moving to a different campus hall or house, permission also must be obtained from the AC of that facility.

Residents who do not have their room inspected by their CA prior to their departure automatically waive all rights for billing adjustments. The following charges apply for room keys that are not returned within 48 hours of your departure: $50 improper check out fine, $35-$70 lock re-core charge, plus the per diem room charge. Residents are expected to return their rooms to check in condition, which includes returning furnishings to their original configuration. The college cannot guarantee that possessions left in the room or building after the check-out process is completed will be returned.

Those wishing to check out at the completion of the fall and winter terms must do so by the official hall closing date (see Important Dates) regardless of residency in the halls or Transitional Living Areas. End of the school year check out instructions are emailed to residents in early May.

College Liability

Criminal activity, personal injury and theft can and does occur on the college premises. Therefore, it is essential that you assume responsibility for your personal safety and security, as well as the safety and security of your belongings. The college assumes no liability for loss or damage from any cause to residents' personal property and carries no insurance covering this property. Please make sure to discuss personal property insurance coverage with your insurance agent.

Damage Assessments

Room damages are assessed and recorded by the Office of Residential Life and posted to student bills at the end of each academic year. You may request billing information by scheduling an appointment with your AC. Damage assessment appeals must be made at the time of check out.

Residence hall and house communities are assessed for damages where individual responsibility cannot be determined. Hall and house assessments may be divided, at the discretion of the AC, among all residents of the floor, wing, hall or house. Community assessments are emailed or posted in each hall and/or house and are updated on a monthly basis. If a community were to reach $50 in damage charges, a letter of notification will be sent to all appropriate parents/legal gaurdians. Unassignable damages over $500 will be referred to the police for investigation and follow-through.

Residents are strongly encouraged to contact Residential Life staff with information leading to the identification of vandals. This is a service that benefits the entire community and spares innocent residents from these damage charges. Those who desire placement on a Healthy Lifestyle floor or other campus housing due to accruing community assessments should contact the Office of Residential Life at 309-794-2686.

Housing Contract Information

All full-time students are required to live on campus with the following exceptions:

Students entering their fourth year of college life

Students age 22 or older by September 1st of the current academic year

Students who have been granted commuter status by the Office of Residential Life

Students who have received written permission to reside off-campus by the Office of Residential Life, the Student Policy Committee (SPC), or the Dean of Student Services

Once an assignment is secured, students are contracted for the academic year. Special exceptions may be sought by petition to the Student Policy Committee (contact Alisha Smith at 794-2686 for information).

Insurance

Augustana is not responsible for personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged. Large sums of money and other valuables should not be kept in student rooms. To protect ordinary possessions, the best safeguard is always keeping your door locked. Report all losses to Residential Life and Public Safety. For insurance claims, it is recommended that a report be filed with the Rock Island Police Department.

Make sure that you have personal property insurance. Many students' belongings are covered by their parents' homeowners' insurance while enrolled in school. Check with your parents regarding the type of coverage they currently have or may need. Supplemental property insurance is available through Gallagher Koster, which is also the college vendor for student medical coverage.

Off-Campus Release

Off-campus release will be guaranteed only to students entering their fourth year of college life. Any other students who choose to live in off-campus housing without official, written permission from the college will be billed for room and possibly for board. Augustana College does not approve, inspect or supervise off-campus student residences. We do expect, however, that students living off-campus act responsibly so as to reflect credit on themselves and the college. This expectation includes observing all local, state and federal laws and behaving in a manner supportive of Augustana's mission. Students living off-campus are subject to the rules and regulations set forth in the Augustana Code of Social Conduct and in relevant sections of the student handbook, Inside Augustana.

Students who have reserved a campus room are contracted to reside in campus housing the entire academic year unless they graduate, withdraw or drop to part-time status.

Students with extraordinary medical or financial needs who cannot be accommodated by the residential housing system or those seeking alternative housing options should contact the Office of Residential Life (309-794-2686) for information and assistance.

Roommate Consolidation Policy

Residents are encouraged to discuss their situations with the AC as soon as they are aware of the possibility of an open bed in their room. In addition to information about the consolidation process and available options within the building, residents will be given the following guidelines:

When circumstances permit, the resident will have one week to select another roommate-without creating another open bed-after the opening develops.

When the one-week grace period expires, the resident may either be assigned a new roommate or relocated to another room, hall or house.

After spring term begins and if space and circumstances permit, a resident may request to keep the open bed on unassigned status for an additional charge of $500. Single status in a double occupancy room is considered to be an exception and will not be guaranteed as an option. It may not be chosen as an option after a new roommate has been assigned.

The Office of Residential Life reserves the right to reassign beds and relocate residents at any time after a vacancy occurs. Students who refuse to consolidate or move to a vacant bed will be charged in full for the open bed in their room commencing one week after the vacancy occurs.

Room Selection Process

Rooms for new students are assigned by the Office of Residential Life in accordance with assignment preferences indicated on the housing preference form. Returning students will select rooms during the spring term using a randomly-assigned lottery numbers sorted by class.

Detailed information regarding residence hall or house room selection and off-campus release will be sent to all students via email during spring term and will also be available on the Housing Selection page on the housing website. It is your responsibility to be thoroughly familiar with the campus housing selection procedures by attending scheduled information sessions and contacting Residential Life staff with your questions prior to room selection.

Students who select a room during the spring housing selection process and then request an assignment change will be subject to the following processing fees/penalties. No assignment will be changed until fees are paid in full to the Office of Residential Life.

Body-to-body switches*: No fee with proper notification until school begins, $25/person thereafterSwitches that leave someone without a roommate: $50 per roommateSeniors requesting off-campus release after signing up for a room: $100**Students who request commuter status after the deadline: $25 after May 1**$50 after June 1**$100 after July 1**

* Body-to-body switches are permitted provided that they are not used to manipulate the lottery system. Those whose lottery number has been used to secure the room will not be allowed to move until winter term (unless extraordinary reasons as determined by the Office of Residential Life apply).** A $50 processing fee per abandoned roommate will be added.

Room/Roommate Changes

If you wish to change rooms or buildings, you must make an appointment with your AC for information and permission to move. Failure to secure permission to change room assignments will result in a $50 fine and possible reassignment to your original room. If an approved move leaves someone without a roommate, a $50/roommate left will apply. If an approved move involves a body-to-body switch, a $25/person processing fee may apply.

"Moves with approval" require the following procedures before a room change is approved:

All roommates meet with their CA to discuss the reason(s) for the move. If the situation is a roommate conflict, the CA will mediate. If resolution is not reached or if otherwise necessary, the CA will refer you to the AC.

All roommates then meet with the AC. If the situation is a roommate conflict, the AC will conduct a formal mediation. If resolution is not reached or if otherwise necessary, the AC may advise a move provided that it is a bed-to-bed switch or relocation to a vacant bed. No open beds may be created.

Once a move is approved, students should complete their move within 24 hours after receiving their new key.

Special Housing Accommodations

Dr. Evelyn Campbell, Dean of Students, coordinates the provision of accommodations for students with mental, sensory or physical impairments. Students desiring accommodations should make an appointment with her to address their special needs.

A brochure entitled Augustana College Building Access, available in the Dean of Students Office, identifies the buildings with strobe lights, fire alarms, handicapped entrances and restrooms, Braille signage and fire refuges. Students needing additional accommodations should confer with the Dean of Students regarding any special needs or accommodations and emergency evacuation procedures.

Temporary Room Assignments

Some students are placed in temporary beds (e.g. lounges) due to an overage of incoming students. These students are billed at a lower rate and will relocate when acceptable assignments (as determined by the Office of Residential Life) are available. If you currently are assigned to a temporary room, it is essential that you communicate with your AC on a regular basis, preferably weekly, so that you can work together to find the most fitting regular assignment available. More information can be found in our Temporary Housing Brochure.

Vacation Housing Accommodations

Several weeks prior to fall-term, Christmas, recess, and spring-term, information will be made available via e-mail and various postings regarding housing for those who wish to remain on campus. Permission to stay must be secured from the Office of Residential Life in advance. There is a $25.00/day cost for this service. Those who must stay on campus for academic or athletic reasons (advance verification from the coach or faculty member is required) may stay free of charge. Students who live more than 400 miles from campus may also stay free of charge, provided they notify the Office of Residential Life prior to the posted deadline.

Withdrawal

Residents who withdraw from classes are not eligible to reside in campus housing. Check out should occur within one day from the date of withdrawal. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the AC.

Residence Hall Services and General Information

Bedrails

Bicycles

Bicycles must be stored outdoors in bicycle racks or inside the owner's rooms unless a bike storage room is available in your residence hall. Bicycles may not be stored in public areas. Any bicycles found in public areas or hallways will be removed by staff and can be retrieved from the AC by paying a $5 fee. Motorized bikes are not permitted inside buildings. The college is not responsible for any damages to bicycles stored in bicycle storage areas, bike racks, or when moved by college staff.

Bicycle registration is available through the Office of Public Safety to aid in retrieving lost or stolen bikes.

Breaks and Recesses

The residence halls are technically closed during the fall-term and winter-term breaks and Christmas recess. While students may stay under certain stipulations (see also Vacation Housing Accommodcations), the majority of students leave campus. Unless students have secured advance permission to stay during these breaks/recess periods, they are not allowed to enter the buildings or check-in prior to the posted re-opening. Transitional Living Area (TLA) housing remains open during all breaks and recesses, while the residence halls only remain open during Thanskgiving and Easter recesses.

Confidential Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assistance

Alcohol abuse can be a problem among college-age students. If you or someone you know is using alcohol irresponsibly, we encourage you to seek help at one of the following confidential resources:Counseling Center: 794-7357Dean of Students Office: 794-7533Campus Ministries: 794-7213Riverside Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program: 779-3000

Emergency Assistance

Residence hall staff is available for immediate emergency response and can be contacted via the phone numbers listed at each hall service desk. The campus emergency telephone line, 794-7711, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for consultation and assistance.

City emergency personnel should be immediately summoned in life-threatening situations at (9) 911. Placing 911 calls in a non-emergency situation is prohibited by law, and may result in prosecution.

Healthy-Lifestyle Housing

The Office of Residential Life offers a special housing option: Healthy Living Through a Substance-Free Lifestyle areas that are available on two floors in Westerlin and the Andreen apartments. This special housing option provides additional support for those who choose not to drink or use drugs, and who may not wish to deal with those who do. Substances are defined as alcohol, cigarettes and other smoking materials, as well as illicit drugs and abuse of prescription and/or over-the-counter drugs.

Residents of these areas sign a formal agreement stipulating that they will not possess or use prohibited substances, that they will refrain from bringing any substance related behaviors back to their community, and that they will maintain responsibility for their guests' compliance. In return, these residents will be exempt from alcohol-related community damage charges unless their actual involvement is confirmed.

Housekeeping

Students are responsible for keeping rooms in reasonably clean condition and emptying wastebaskets at designated trash disposal areas. Bathroom wastebaskets are not to be used for common trash collection. Bathroom sinks, water fountains and showers are not receptacles for food waste.

In residence halls, the custodial staff cleans all public areas and public bathrooms. Cleaning service for the Swanson Commons east-wing bathrooms is provided on a weekly basis. Bathroom cleaning schedules will be posted outside the doors. Hallways and floor lounges in the residence halls are cleaned Monday through Friday. Personal possessions left in public areas which compromise sanitation and proper cleaning will be disposed of by the custodian.

Regular cleaning is impeded by careless behaviors such as debris from social gatherings or unreturned food trays/dishes. You and your guests are expected to assume full responsibility for any messes you create and will be charged when responsibility is not taken.

Schedules provided by housekeeping staff are approximate and subject to change. Areas not sufficiently cleared of personal possessions may not be cleaned. Residential policy violations observed by housekeeping staff will be reported to the Office of Residential Life for disciplinary action.

Laundry Cards/Machines

New laundry cards may be obtained for $5 at any of the laundry card service centers located in Westerlin, Swanson Commons, and the College Center. Problems with cards should be reported to the Office of Residential Life (794-2686); machine service issues should be reported to hall service desks or to the Office of Residential Life (794-2686).

Mail/Departmental Notification

Mail is not retrieved from or delivered to residence halls or TLAs. The campus mail room is located on the first floor of the College Center.

Official correspondence from the Office of Residential Life will be sent via e-mail. Residents are responsible for checking e-mail regularly for personal messages, announcements and disciplinary correspondence.

Maintenance

The Facilities Services staff is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of residence hall and house equipment and facilities, utilities management and the custodial operation. If repairs are needed, students can mobilize this staff's response by submitting a work request online through the housing website.

Maintenance requests are assigned a priority based upon their urgency. Requests that have a direct impact on resident safety are handled first. These include such items as lost room keys, dangerous electrical problems, gas odors, heating problems or power outages. Problems of this nature should be reported directly to the ARD, AC or Public Safety (309-794-7711) for immediate processing.

Maintenance requests related to repairs that prevent further damage to campus buildings or building systems are second in priority. All other requests are handled as expediently as possible to relieve residents of any undue discomfort or inconvenience. Since early detection minimizes maintenance problems, you should inform the Facilities Services office (309-794-7278) as soon as you discover items in need of attention.

Submittal of a maintenance request constitutes permission for Facilities Services staff to enter your room. Work will not be completed where access is impeded by furnishings or personal belongings.

Parking

Parking lots are located near each residence hall. Lots are restricted to cars with college parking decals. Decal applications are available at the Facilities Services office located in Sorensen Hall (309-794-7278). Students possessing a decal may park only in their designated lot(s).

Students are expected to observe all parking regulations. Special care should be taken to avoid parking in restricted areas and areas which block access to homes surrounding the campus. Parking tickets will be written for all regulation violations, which include vehicles parked in the fire lanes in the front of each residence hall. Drivers must observe a 15-mph limit in all college parking lots.

Recycling

Recycling containers are provided in each student room and in various common areas of each hall for aluminum cans, clean steel and tin cans, glass (clear, green or brown), plastic, plastic grocery bags, newspaper, cardboard, magazines, books, paper and envelopes of all kinds. Recycling bins are located in each residence hall and behind select TLA houses for use by all TLA residents.

Compact florescent bulbs can be recycled at Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Lowes. At the end of the academic year, clean furnishings and appliances in good condition may be brought to specified building lobbies for donation to local charities.

Service Desks

Service desk hours are posted at each hall desk, and are subject to change. Prior to fall classes and at the end of the school year desk hours are expanded to assist with the check-in and check-out processes. Services include general information/referral, equipment check-out (e.g. tools, cooking utensils, movies, games, cleaning supplies), change and refunds for vending machines, and emergency/directory assistance.

Storage

Student Involvement

Students have a variety of opportunities to get involved in residence halls and houses, including hall government posts and a variety of hall employment positions. Consult your CA, ARD, or AC for further information.

Telephone Use/Service

At least one resident in each room should hook-up a land line phone to the jack provided for 911 locator access as well as for campus community communication.

You are responsible for damages to telephone/network jacks.

You are not permitted to accept collect calls. The college will charge a service fee of $10 for each call accepted.

Placing annoying or harassing calls is prohibited and the perpetrator will be subject to disciplinary action. Students who receive calls of this nature should report them immediately to their CA.

You may not set up long-distance accounts or phone services with your college-assigned telephone number (i.e. requesting services like Caller I.D. or three-way calling, etc.). If this occurs, you will be held responsible for call/services payment plus a $25 service charge. Note: Do not list your college-assigned telephone number on sweepstakes entries. Sometimes, unscrupulous vendors use this as a means to set up an unrequested telephone service.

You may place both on-campus and off-campus calls on your landline phone. There is no charge for local calls, which includes most of the Quad-Cities area. Long distance calls can be made by using a credit card or calling collect.

For on-campus calls Dial the last four digits of the number.

For calls to the Quad Cities area Dial 9 plus the seven digit number.

Collect or credit (phone) card calls Dial 9, 0, then the area code and phone number. At the tone, enter your credit card number or advise the operator it is a collect call.

Temperature Control

The central heating plant that serves the residence halls does not offer individual temperature control to the degree that some residents desire. During the early fall and spring when outside temperatures vary significantly, some students find fans or electric blankets helpful. Generally, heat will be turned on by October 15 and turned off by May 15. In Erickson Center and Swanson Commons, the air filtration is continued for those suffering from allergic conditions until the air conditioning system is activated.

Important Note: Furniture and possessions should be placed no closer than six inches from the heating unit. Because closer placement of furniture, etc. can impede the heat flow to other rooms, furnishings in violation will be moved without prior notice.

Vending and Laundry Machines

Most residence halls and houses are equipped with washers, dryers, ironing boards, televisions, VCR/DVD players and vending machines. Use of these machines and appliances, as well as laundry facilities, is restricted to the residents of each building. Please report inoperable machines or appliances to the service desk or Residential Life staff. Laundry refunds will be sent by the vendors directly to your mailbox; other refunds are available at the service desks. Tampering with or maliciously damaging any machine or appliance will result in disciplinary action.